If you're looking for a diverse wilderness with paddling opportunities hidden away, Mount Robson is the place to be.
Mount Robson is the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak, towering above its neighbours at 3,954 m. Robson creek starts its journey high up on the mountain at the mouth of Kinney Lake and feeds into the start of the Fraser River watershed.
The weekend started out by setting up camp at the Mount Robson Meadow Campground. This peaceful provincial park shoulders the Fraser River and allows for sneak peaks of the face of Mount Robson through the trees. Reserving a site is highly recommended.
Where to Paddle Around Mount Robson
Paddling the Fraser River Raft Run
We took to the water for the traditional raft run. Below the Fraser Canyon, we started down the scenic half of the run. We put in below the bridge on Hargreaves Road. This begins the Class 1/2 braided section of the River.
After passing Robson Shadows Campground on river right we began our paddle down the classic raft run. The Fraser was gauged at 119 CMS the morning of. To find information about river flow, check out Fraser River Raft Run on Paddling Maps.
This run is big, rolling Class 2+ water with a few holes to avoid. The last S bend equaled a pit stop and check in before the mandatory portage.
An important note about this run: make sure you take out before Rearguard Falls. It’s recommended to stop at Highway Trail at the Rearguard Falls pullout prior to running the river, to scout the take out for the portage
Below the falls is the highest class of water on the run, just some cruisy 2+ you can see from the Rearguard Falls lookout.
Good times were had on the Fraser River raft run.
Paddling Kinney Lake
Another option for paddling in the area is up Mount Robson Berg Lake Trail. The first section of the trail takes you up to stunning Kinney Lake. This double wide trail follows alongside Robson Creek and wraps around the west side of Mount Robson.
This hike is 4 km in length and gains approximately 150 m elevation. We carried Badfish’s newest model, the award winning Flyweight (weighing in at 18 lbs.), and Badfish’s classic Selfie. Walking across the first bridge and into sight of Kinney Lake is always breathtaking.
The lake itself sits in the southwest shoulder of Mount Robson. Kinney Lake is 1.6 km long and 600 m wide. A beautiful little location to paddle through Caribbean blue water. One thing to note: the waters are not Caribbean warm! The icy blue waters get their beauty from the melting glaciers high overhead.
Other Options in Mount Robson Provincial Park
Spending a weekend Mount Robson Provincial Park is full of beauty; not only from the sheer size of the mountains themselves, but the waterways.
Other paddling opportunities for whitewater in the area are the upper Fraser run, a solid Class 3 run. The Fraser Canyon Run is Grade 4 plus with some features pushing 5 for the adventurous.
Connect with the local paddlers via Facebook at Robson Valley Whitewater. For more flatwater there is always Moose Lake, which is further east into the park. The access to Moose Lake is a road side boat launch at the furthest eastern edge.
When coming to the area please remember to reserve your camping spots. This Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site is busy. If you plan to hike to Kinney Lake please contact the park about reservations for being on the trail. Remember to paddle together and hike together. Seek knowledge and adventure safely.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do”
Kimberley Kenyon
Badfish Team Athlete
AQ Outdoors Whitewater SUP and Splitboard Ambassador
Advanced and River 1 SUP Instructor Paddle Canada
@borntoboard.ca
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
